Staying in Pimlico
Image: View from the balcony of the Luna Simone Hotel, London - ©Travel Plans to Go
Pimlico is a lovely neighbourhood in central London, nestled in the City of Westminster. It's famous for its elegant Regency architecture and peaceful atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to set up your base for your visit to London. This primarily residential district offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
Pimlico is surrounded by the River Thames to the south, with Victoria, Westminster, and Belgravia nearby. The Pimlico Underground Station on the Victoria Line is just a 7 to 10-minute walk away, making it easy to get to central parts of London. In the opposite direction, Victoria Station is a 10 to 15-minute walk, where several tube lines meet, as well as national rail services and the Gatwick Express to Gatwick Airport. It’s a large and busy station with many shops and food options. Tip: Beware pickpockets at Victoria Station, and don’t put valuables in a backpack.
This quiet area is close to many major attractions; you can easily walk to the Tate Britain art gallery. The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace are nearby. It's a convenient location for anyone who wants to explore London's famous landmarks.
There are also many pubs, cafes and restaurants all within easy walking distance from any hotel you choose in the Pimlico area.
Image: Room in the Luna Simone Hotel, London - ©Travel Plans to Go
Luna Simone Hotel Review
While several hotel choices exist in the Pimlico area, my favourite is the Luna Simone Hotel. I’ve stayed here six times in the last 15 years and have already made my reservation for Spring 2025.
What keeps me coming back?
Location:
Close to Pimlico Tube Station and to Victoria Station.
Easy walking distance to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and other main attractions.
Bus #24 stops at the front door of the hotel.
Rooms and Amenities:
Clean (spotless) and comfortable rooms that are well-maintained. Rooms are cleaned and beds made up daily.
Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and a safe for your valuables.
Spotless en-suite bathrooms (shower only). Fresh towels every day.
The rooms are cozy and small, which is common in central London, but you’re only there to sleep and prepare for another day of sightseeing, so I find this doesn’t bother me at all.
Some rooms have views of Belgrave Street, and some even have balconies.
Service and Staff:
The family-run hotel is welcoming and friendly. The staff at Luna Simone provide personalized service that many larger hotels may lack, being helpful and accommodating.
Image: Lobby at the Luna Simone Hotel, London (helping out with a forgotten charging cord) - ©Travel Plans to Go
The hotel has been managed by the same family for generations. Guest reviews often praise the warm hospitality and helpful local tips.
Breakfast:
A complimentary breakfast is provided each morning in the basement. The breakfast includes coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, as well as a glass of orange juice. You can choose a hot breakfast with eggs, bacon, beans, and toast, or cold ham and tomatoes, or opt for lighter options such as cereal, yogurt, and bananas. The service is quick, and quite often there’s some friendly banter between the guests and the hotel hosts, brothers Bernard and Peter, and son, Mark.
Value for Money:
The Luna Simone is a 3-star hotel that offers clean, friendly service with typically small rooms for London hotels. The location is excellent. The breakfast is simple but tasty and filling. It feels like the family who run the hotel can never do enough for you. If you need something, they will help you. The building is secure, requiring a card to enter the hotel. And there’s always someone at the front desk who keeps a watchful eye on everyone coming and going.
Tips:
There is no air conditioning available in the rooms, though a fan is supplied. Some may find this difficult if the outside temperatures are high.
There is no lift (elevator) and the climb to your room could involve a lot of steps, so if you have any mobility issues it’s best to ask for a room on one of the lower floors.
The walls are a little thin, so perhaps ear plugs are a good idea for light sleepers.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, which may be early for some but I like to get an early start to my day.
Check-out time is 10:00 am. However, you can leave your luggage with the hotel if your flight is later in the day.
Same goes for early arrivals. Check-in time is 2:00 pm, but they are happy to store your luggage until your room is ready.
Book directly with the Luna Simone Hotel and receive a 10% discount.
I don't receive any kickbacks for recommending the Luna Simone Hotel. I keep returning to this hotel because I don't trust that I can find another one in London that will suit me as well as the Luna Simone Hotel. So there you have it, all my reasons to book a room at this hotel for your stay in London.